GW School of Public Health and Health Services announces online executive MHA degree

The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services in Washington, D.C., recently announced the launch of an online executive Master of Health Administration degree.

The new, online executive MHA program allows healthcare and health services professionals the opportunity to earn their executive MHA degree from anywhere in the world, according to a news release. The program comprises eight live online modules and four intensive immersions at high performing healthcare systems.

Leonard H. Friedman, PhD, MPH, FACHE, professor and director of MHA degree programs, said in the release that he believes the program couldn’t come at a better time.

“Driven by the transformation of the infrastructure of healthcare delivery in the U.S., every aspect of our country’s healthcare system is in a massive state of change," he said in the release. "Today’s mid-career healthcare professionals must be prepared to meet the challenges of this increasingly complex environment. By providing learners the opportunity to obtain the executive Master of Health Administration degree utilizing a hybrid delivery model, the MHA@GW program gives these aspiring leaders the tools needed to address these challenges and progress in their careers without relocating.”

Beginning in April 2014, MHA@GW will be delivered through live, interactive online classes delivered face-to-face by SPHHS faculty. Classes are small, with no more than 12 students a section, and they will use 2U, Inc.’s online platform featuring faculty-designed coursework, video content and an interactive social technology network.

“A year ago, we announced our first partnership with the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services," Chip Paucek, CEO of 2U, Inc., said in the release. "To date, two classes of students representing 15 U.S. states have started this web-based program. The success of the online Master of Public Health program has led us to partner with GW on an all-new advanced degree online health program designed to provide students with skills essential to leadership in healthcare organizations.”

Students will also participate in four real-world experiences, focused on the development of leadership skills and human relationship building. Hosted on the GW campus and at health organizations across the U.S., these immersions provide an opportunity for students to collaborate in person with classmates and MHA@GW faculty. The program will culminate with a field-based research project.

MHA@GW students must have a minimum of three years experience working in the healthcare sector and be currently employed in the field.